Can a simple tilt test guide fluid therapy in heart surgery?

NCT ID NCT06645327

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a heart ultrasound measurement called the superior vena cava collapsibility index (SVC-CI) can predict how patients will respond to fluids during coronary artery bypass surgery. Researchers will tilt the operating table (head up then head down) to mimic giving fluids and measure changes in heart output. The goal is to find a cutoff value that identifies which patients need more fluids, potentially improving care for 120 adults undergoing this surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: operating room table tilt test (head up and head down positions)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could give doctors a simple, non-invasive way to decide which heart surgery patients need more fluids, potentially improving recovery and reducing complications.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (120 participants) focused on measurement accuracy, not treatment. The table tilt test may not work for all patients, and results may not apply to those with severe heart valve problems or arrhythmias.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coronary artery disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING SURGERY (CABG)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Penn State Hershey Medical Center
RECRUITING

Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States

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